### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâlâq**, represented by `{{H1111}}`, means **waster** and refers to a **Moabitish king** named Balak. It appears **43 times** across **40 unique verses**, primarily detailing his role as an adversary to Israel during their journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Balak** `{{H1111}}`, the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Zippor** `{{H6834}}`, is the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Moab** `{{H4124}}` who **saw** `{{H7200}}` what **Israel** `{{H3478}}` did to the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` and became fearful [[Numbers 22:2]]. He consulted with the elders of Midian and famously summoned the prophet **Balaam** `{{H1109}}` from Aram to **curse** `{{H779}}` Jacob and **defy** `{{H2194}}` Israel [[Numbers 23:7]]. Despite Balak’s offers of **honour** `{{H3513}}` and his growing **anger** `{{H639}}`, Balaam was unable to go beyond the word of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and instead **blessed** `{{H1288}}` Israel three times [[Numbers 24:10]]. The book of Joshua records that Balak **arose** `{{H6965}}` and **warred** `{{H3898}}` against Israel [[Joshua 24:9]], while Judges notes that he never did **strive** `{{H7378}}` against them [[Judges 11:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to Balak's story:
* `{{H1109}}` **Bilʻâm** (Balaam): The Mesopotamian prophet, whose name means **foreigner**, whom Balak hired to pronounce a curse upon Israel [[Micah 6:5]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): The territory and people over which Balak was king [[Numbers 22:4]].
* `{{H6834}}` **Tsippôwr** (Zippor): The father of Balak, identified as a Moabite ([[Numbers 22:4]], [[Judges 11:25]]).
* `{{H6895}}` **qâbab** (to curse): This word, meaning to malign or execrate with words, describes the action Balak repeatedly demanded from Balaam against his **enemies** `{{H341}}` ([[Numbers 23:11]], [[Numbers 23:27]]).
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless): The opposite action that Balaam was compelled by God to perform, resulting in Balak's frustration [[Numbers 24:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Balak’s account is significant. His story is a powerful illustration of key themes:
* **Opposition to God's People:** Balak stands as a figure of a foreign power attempting to thwart God's covenant people out of fear ([[Numbers 22:2]], [[Numbers 22:4]]). His name, meaning **waster**, reflects his intent to destroy what God had chosen.
* **Futility of Human Schemes:** The narrative demonstrates the powerlessness of human plots against divine will. Despite Balak’s persistent efforts from various **high places** `{{H1116}}` ([[Numbers 22:41]], [[Numbers 23:28]]), he could not succeed, as Balaam affirmed he could not **go beyond** `{{H5674}}` the **word** `{{H6310}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Numbers 22:18]].
* **A Memorial of God's Righteousness:** The incident is later used as a point of remembrance for Israel. The prophet Micah instructs the people to **remember** `{{H2142}}` what **Balak** `{{H1111}}` **consulted** `{{H3289}}` so that they might **know** `{{H3045}}` the **righteousness** `{{H6666}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Micah 6:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **Balak** `{{H1111}}` is far more than a minor historical king; he is a central antagonist whose actions highlight God's sovereignty. As the **waster** who sought to **curse** `{{H6895}}` Israel, his story serves as a profound testament to the truth that God's blessing cannot be overturned by human machinations. His failed efforts become a cornerstone for Israel to remember the unfailing **righteousness** `{{H6666}}` and protective power of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV